President Donald Trump has weighed in on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest. The American politician spoke about the disgraced former Duke, who was taken into police custody on Thursday, while onboard Air Force One.
"I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad," the president said. "I think it's so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it's a very sad thing."
He also called Andrew's older brother, King Charles, "a fantastic man," and revealed that His Majesty is "coming to our country very soon."
Andrew, 66, was arrested at home on his birthday Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Thames Valley Police said in a statement that it had "opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2), at approximately 8am, arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk".
Andrew was released hours later in the evening. As he left Aylsham Police Station, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice's father was pictured reclining in the backseat of a vehicle.
© REUTERS/Phil NobleAfter his release, the Thames Valley Police shared an update, stating that "the arrested man has now been released under investigation."
"We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded. The force said its searches in Berkshire are still under way, and that it would make no further statement at this time,"
HELLO! understands that the royal family was not given advance warning of Andrew's arrest. King Charles said in a statement, shared by Buckingham Palace, that he "learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office."
© Chris Jackson/Getty Images"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities," the King continued. "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
Ten days before Queen Elizabeth's second son was arrested, the Thames Valley Police confirmed that they were assessing claims that Andrew had shared confidential information from his role as the UK's trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein. The former Duke served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011.
Andrew's past friendship with the convicted sex offender, whom he met in 1999, has led to his fall from grace. Last year, he was stripped of his style, titles and honours, and a formal notice to surrender the lease to his home, Royal Lodge, was also served. Andrew left the Windsor property earlier this month and has been temporarily residing at Wood Farm, where he was arrested on his 66th birthday.
